[krazydawg005]

So after all the discussion my previous thread, I've decided I might give a book or two a shot. Yes there were many negative comments, so I'm not going into this with very high expectations. Still, why not give it a shot? Theres been so many times where I liked something the majority didnt, and times where I really disliked something the majority did like.

Now on to my question. While I was at Hastings last week, I saw a brand new hardcover copy of New Spring (WoT prequel i guess) for $1. I couldn't pass it up. Now, is this a good starting place for the series? Is it easy for a new person to understand, or do you have to have some experienec and knowledge of the series to really appreciate the prequel? If its ok for a newb, then i'll read it first. If not, I'll go pick up the 1st book in the series and come back to the prequel later.

Thanks!!!

[Matrim]

I don't think that it is. Although the events in New Spring take place about twenty years before those inthe other books, a part of the enjoyment of book 1 is trying to figure out what exactly is the role of some the main characters. If you had read New Spring before book one you will probably be much more aware of what is going on than Jordan originally intended.
Other than that I think NS it's perfectly undestandable without the other books, Jordan would rather die than not describe something in detail and explain it. :) I still think it's better to start with book one - The Eye of the World.

[Final07]

You should read the WoT first then New Spring, I also hear that there will be two more prequels after New Spring. Anyone have info on it, and it's estimated release dates.

[Evil Agent]

I would agree that you start with the real series, not the prequel. I find that prequels, in general, are better to read/watch after the originals. For example, I don't think Star Wars newbies should start with Episode I, but with Episode IV.

Anyway, rest assured, the first 4-6 books of WoT are great, you'll probably love them. That's exactly why there are so many negative comments about the later books, because there was so much promise at first. Worth reading, I'd say, if you have the time (as long as you either have or eventually do read Martin, and Hobb, and maybe Erikson!) :)

[ChrisW]

***SPOILERS KRAZY DONT READ***

Final, the other two prequals are about Rand's dad's time in the companions and his finding Rand and how Moiraine managed to get to the Two Rivers just in time to save the world.

He was planning to write them in between the main books but he changed his mind and will write them after book 12(the last book).

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[Andrew J]

***SPOILERS KRAZY DONT READ***

Final, the other two prequals are about Rand's dad's time in the companions and his finding Rand and how Moiraine managed to get to the Two Rivers just in time to save the world.

He was planning to write them in between the main books but he changed his mind and will write them after book 12(the last book).

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*

Eh, those don't sound too interesting--maybe the first one, some, but not the second one. I'm sure the first one could be worked in as a flashback tale in the main series if it were important to make a book about it, but if not, I would've prefered a slightly extended version of the internet novella "Strike on Shayol Ghul [sp?]" which tells how Lews Therin attacked with the original 100 Companions. Cool stuff.

[Final07]

***SPOILERS KRAZY DONT READ***

Final, the other two prequals are about Rand's dad's time in the companions and his finding Rand and how Moiraine managed to get to the Two Rivers just in time to save the world.

He was planning to write them in between the main books but he changed his mind and will write them after book 12(the last book).

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*
*

He's not making a prequel about Lews Therin? :( :( That's very disappointing.

[Sophia]

Any more updates on the other 2 prequels?? I agree with Final07 that it would be a huuuge disappointment to not hear about Lews Therin and more about the past history concerning the Dark One and the Forsaken.

A wasted opportunity i think, if Jordan does not consider these.

[BarVybe]

i'd agree - read the first few books of WoT first. Half the fun is trying to figure out what's going on and why, who Morraine and Lan really are and what their relationship is, etc.

[Yobmod]

"Strike on Shayol Ghul"

Is this still available online? Does anyone have a link?

The few glimpses we get of the age of Legends (Eg WoT prologue) are some of the best bits IMO.

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I agree with starting with EotW, New Spring is ok but fits in much better after you know more of Moraine and Lan (and Siuan?). Plus i remember it being a bit spoilerific for the main series.